Sedgefield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sedgefield poster

Every year in Sedgefield, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Durham.

What should you know about Sedgefield's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because of the focus on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on Bonfire Night.

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to travel here.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is obviously a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like minded people.

You will be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Sedgefield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sedgefield, County Durham, North East, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sedgefield Bonfire Night